Loved-up couples forced to spend a fortune on Valentine's Day after gift price boom

PRICEY: The cost of romantic gifts have all increased in time for Valentine's Day [GETTY]

Restaurant prices leap by a third, a study showed, while the cost of flowers and chocolates also rises before February 14.

Most eateries offer only special set menus and specified seating times, meaning that consumers can get less for their money.

Prices for a delivery of a dozen red roses were on average 58% higher on Valentine’s Day.

“Singles have the whole of the rest of the year to go dating, so why pick the most expensive night to go out?”

Kate Taylor

Even cinemas cash in, with an average price increase of 36%, although that included extras such as champagne. Nine in 10 of singles surveyed dating site by match.com felt prices for Valentine items increased before February 14.

A fifth said the increases – dubbed Valentine’s Added Tax – put them off celebrating altogether.

However, the cost of some Valentine’s essentials fall thanks to promotions at supermarkets and on the High Street.

Champagne prices drop by an average of 14%, while perfume is 2% lower.

Match.com says single daters should shun Valentine’s Day as there are 364 better dating days in a year.

The site’s relationship expert Kate Taylor said: “Valentine’s Added Tax is yet another reason for daters to leave February 14 to couples.

“Singles have the whole of the rest of the year to go dating, so why pick the most expensive night to go out?”